Imagine a sea of red washing over an entire city, not for a revolution, but for a football revolution. That’s the spectacle of Red Wednesday in Kansas City. This isn’t just another day on the calendar; it’s a 33-year-old tradition that’s as ingrained in Chiefs’ culture as the smell of barbecue in the air. “The Red Friday – and now Red Wednesday – tradition is one of the most unique ways that the organization and the community come together to support each other as well as support a special cause,” says Chiefs President Mark Donovan, capturing the essence of this extraordinary event.

Born from the vision of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt and the Chiefs Red Coaters in 1992, Red Wednesday has evolved into a philanthropic powerhouse. It’s not just about painting the town red; it’s about filling the coffers of local charities. Over the past decade, this crimson celebration has drummed up an impressive $5.5 million. The secret sauce? Limited-edition commemorative flags that fans treasure like pieces of the Arrowhead Stadium turf.

When is the 2024 Red Wednesday event happening?

Circle September 4th on your calendars, Chiefs Kingdom! The 2024 Red Wednesday is set to ignite the city with a blaze of excitement. This year’s celebration is extra special, honoring the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs. For a mere $5 donation, fans can snag a piece of Chiefs history – a championship-themed flag – at over 135 McDonald’s locations across Kansas City and St. Joseph.

But the flag frenzy doesn’t stop there. Hy-Vee stores and street corners throughout the metro area will transform into flag distribution hubs. For fans beyond the Kansas City limits, fear not! Starting bright and early on September 4th, flags will be available online at shop.chiefs.com for $10, with shipping options that’ll bring a piece of Arrowhead to your doorstep.

The Red Wednesday run-up is packed with events that’ll make any Chiefs fan’s heart race. The fifth annual Red Wednesday Run presented by GEHA invites fitness enthusiasts to join a virtual 5K from September 4th to 6th. Participants score more than just bragging rights – they’ll receive a special edition flag, a stylish t-shirt, and a seven-day all-access pass to Chiefs Fit locations.

But wait, there’s more! The ‘World’s Largest Tailgate’ makes a triumphant return for its second year. This virtual extravaganza, dubbed the ‘Tailgate Games’, kicks off at 5 p.m. CT on September 5th. Hosted by comedian Rob Riggle and broadcaster Hayley Lewis, it promises a smorgasbord of tailgate-themed competitions and cameos from Chiefs players. Fans can secure their virtual spot at www.chiefslive.com for this free, hour-long streaming spectacle.

Why did it change from ‘Red Friday’ to ‘Red Wednesday’?

Now, you might be wondering why we’re trading our end-of-week red for a mid-week crimson. Here’s the game plan: The Chiefs are hosting the Baltimore Ravens for the 2024 NFL Kickoff Game on Thursday, September 5th. To give this beloved tradition its own moment in the spotlight, the Chiefs called an audible and shifted it to Wednesday.

This isn’t just a calendar shuffle; it’s a strategic play to amplify the event’s impact. By separating Red Wednesday from game day, the Chiefs are giving fans more time to rally, celebrate, and most importantly, contribute to a worthy cause – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City.

The Wednesday switch also aligns perfectly with the NFL’s expanded Kickoff weekend. With four days of football frenzy starting Thursday, Red Wednesday serves as the perfect pre-game warmup. It’s the opening act in a grand football symphony, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable start to the season.

Red Wednesday is beyond a tradition; it’s a symbol of the power of community and the attitude of giving. Whether you’re a die-hard Chiefs fan or simply someone who loves to make a difference, this is your chance to be part of something bigger than the game.